Ruth Haines
TSA PreCheck and Clear are two services that can speed up your passage through airport security. However, they are not available at every airport, so frequent travellers often opt for memberships to both. TSA PreCheck is a US government programme that allows travellers deemed low-risk to pass through expedited security screening at US airports nationwide without needing to remove items of clothing or luggage such as shoes, laptops and belts. Clear uses biometric technology to verify your ID and boarding pass at a kiosk, after which a Clear agent will escort you to the front of the security line.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Available at all airports | No |
| Available at stadiums and arenas | Yes |
| Available at other venues | Yes |
| Faster route to the gate | Yes |
| Bypassing security | Yes |
| Shortening the wait | Yes |
| Less strict screening requirements | Yes |
| Annual membership | Yes |
| Identity verification | Biometric technology |
| Membership cost | $199 annually |
| TSA PreCheck cost | $77.95 for 5 years |
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What You'll Learn
TSA PreCheck and Clear can be purchased as a bundle at some airports
TSA PreCheck allows travellers to go through a shorter security line and less strict screening requirements, such as keeping shoes, light jackets, and belts on, and not having to remove laptops and liquids from bags. Clear allows travellers to skip the security line altogether by verifying their identity through biometric technology at a Clear kiosk. A Clear agent then escorts the traveller to the front of the security line.
The bundle costs $199 for the first year, including five years of TSA PreCheck for $77.95 and one year of Clear Plus for as low as $121.05, saving up to $77.95 on the regular Clear Plus membership price. Clear Plus renews annually for $199, while TSA PreCheck costs $85 for five years. Family member accounts for Clear Plus renew for $119 each per year and are billed to the primary member account.
To enrol in the bundle, travellers must apply for both programs within seven days using the same email address. The application process for TSA PreCheck can be completed at one of almost 50 Clear enrolment locations without an appointment. Applicants submit their application online and then finish the process at a Clear kiosk at a participating airport. Clear then submits the TSA PreCheck application on the applicant's behalf.
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Clear is not available at every airport
Clear and TSA PreCheck are not available at all airports. Clear is available at over 100 airports, including:
- Daniel K. Inouye International Airport
- Gerald R. Ford International Airport
- John F. Kennedy International Airport
- Norman Y. Mineta San Jose International Airport
- Rhode Island T.F. Green International Airport
- St. Louis Lambert International Airport
- William P. Hobby Airport
Clear and TSA PreCheck can be purchased as a bundle at some airports, and TSA PreCheck can be enrolled in at almost 50 Clear enrollment locations. However, it is always worth checking whether Clear is available at the airports you plan to travel through.
Clear allows you to skip the security line by verifying your identity through biometric technology at a Clear kiosk. A Clear agent then escorts you to the front of the security line. This service is particularly useful for frequent travellers, and some credit cards will cover the cost of Clear and TSA PreCheck memberships.
TSA PreCheck is a U.S. government program that allows travellers deemed low-risk by the Transportation Security Administration to pass through expedited security screening. This includes not having to remove shoes, laptops, liquids, belts, or light jackets.
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Clear allows you to skip the security line
CLEAR is a paid membership program that helps travellers speed up their passage through airport security. It is not available at every airport, nor is it guaranteed to always provide a short line, but it can be useful for skipping long TSA security lines.
CLEAR members have access to dedicated CLEAR lanes, which speed up the identification process through biometric technology. This includes facial, iris, and fingerprint recognition. Once a member's identity has been confirmed at a CLEAR kiosk, a CLEAR agent will escort them to the front of the regular security line.
It is worth noting that CLEAR does not bypass all security procedures. Members will still be asked to remove their belt, shoes, and jacket, and will have to go through the full-body scanner. Additionally, CLEAR does not replace the need for TSA PreCheck. In fact, most people with CLEAR also have PreCheck, as the two services can be bundled together.
If you are considering CLEAR, it is important to note that it may not be for everyone. For example, it requires interaction with a CLEAR employee, and some people may not be comfortable providing biometric data. Additionally, CLEAR is a paid service with an annual membership fee of $199, and it may not always provide a faster experience, especially if you already have TSA PreCheck.
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TSA PreCheck speeds up the luggage screening process
TSA PreCheck is a program that allows low-risk travellers to pass through airport security without following certain protocols. It is managed by the Transportation Security Administration and is available at select airports. TSA PreCheck speeds up the luggage screening process by allowing travellers to keep their shoes, belts, and light jackets on. Liquids and electronics can also remain in their bags. This significantly reduces the time spent on screening, with about 99% of TSA PreCheck passengers waiting less than 10 minutes.
To enrol in TSA PreCheck, individuals can submit an application online or at one of the many enrolment centres. Applicants undergo a background check and recurrent criminal history vetting to determine eligibility. Once approved, enrollees receive a Known Traveler Number (KTN) which they must add to their airline reservations. The cost of enrolment varies by provider.
It is important to note that TSA PreCheck uses unpredictable security measures, and no individual is guaranteed expedited screening. Even TSA PreCheck passengers may occasionally be subjected to additional screening procedures, such as a pat-down, to ensure transportation security.
For frequent travellers, having both TSA PreCheck and Clear memberships can be beneficial as they are not available at all airports. Clear allows travellers to skip the security line completely by verifying their identity through biometric technology at a Clear kiosk. By having both options, travellers increase their chances of a faster and smoother airport experience.
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Clear Plus allows for quick identity verification
Clear Plus is a paid membership service that allows for quick identity verification at the airport. It is available at select airports and provides members with access to designated CLEAR lanes at TSA checkpoints, helping them to bypass security lines and speed up the screening process.
The identity verification process for Clear Plus is straightforward and secure. Members can verify their identity at a CLEAR Pod, where their face, eyes, and fingers are authenticated. This biometric technology ensures that members are who they say they are, and it is done in a matter of seconds. Once identity verification is complete, a CLEAR ambassador escorts the member to the front of the security line, providing a seamless and efficient experience.
In addition to quick identity verification, Clear Plus offers a range of benefits to enhance the travel experience. Members can save time and money by adding up to three family members or friends to their account, allowing them to enjoy the benefits of Clear Plus together. Clear Plus also provides access to exclusive offers and discounts, as well as priority services such as expedited passport processing and easier luggage shipment.
Clear Plus is particularly useful for frequent travellers as it is accepted at numerous airports nationwide. Members can take advantage of the dedicated security checkpoint lane and avoid long wait times. Clear Plus is also available at select sports stadiums and arenas, providing expedited entry and enhancing the overall experience.
While Clear Plus offers quick identity verification and expedited airport security, it is important to note that it is not available at all airports. Therefore, travellers who frequently fly from different locations may consider enrolling in both Clear Plus and TSA PreCheck to increase their chances of a smoother airport experience.
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Frequently asked questions
Clear is a membership program that allows you to speed through security at various locations, including airports, stadiums, and rideshare apps. Clear Lanes are available at over 100 airports.
TSA PreCheck is a U.S. government program that allows travellers deemed low-risk to pass through expedited security screening at U.S. airports. This means that travellers don't need to follow certain protocols, such as removing their shoes, laptops, liquids, belts, or light jackets.
No, Clear and TSA PreCheck are not available at every airport. However, they can be used at most U.S. airports nationwide.
Yes, Clear and TSA PreCheck can be purchased as a bundle at some airports. Many frequent travellers find it beneficial to have memberships to both programs, as it improves the odds of faster and smoother airport experiences.
